Samsung is gearing up to unveil its next-generation flagship smartphones at the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25, 2026. Although the official announcement is still a few weeks away, a steady stream of marketing leaks has already painted a fairly detailed picture of what to expect from the Galaxy S26 lineup.
From design refinements to new colour options and chipset expectations, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are shaping up to be evolutionary rather than radical updates. And honestly, that might be exactly what Samsung is aiming for.
Key Highlights
- Launch Date: February 25, 2026, at 11:30 PM IST (10 AM PT)
- Models: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra
- New Colour: Cobalt Violet joins White, Sky Blue, and Black
- Design: Flat displays for S26 and S26+; squared frame for Ultra
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 depending on region
Standard Models Stick to Flat Aesthetics
Based on leaked marketing images, Samsung appears to be continuing with a flat display design for both the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+. This aligns with the company’s recent direction, which favors practicality over dramatic curves. Flat screens tend to improve durability, reduce accidental touches, and make screen protectors easier to apply. In everyday use, that actually matters more than people often admit.
The frame itself looks slightly rounded at the edges, which should help with grip and comfort. It does not appear radically different from the previous generation, but the subtle refinements suggest Samsung is focusing on incremental polish rather than reinvention.
One design element that stands out is the rear camera setup. The individual camera rings are reportedly raised and placed on a distinct camera island. This approach resembles the Galaxy S25 Edge, which launched in May 2025 as a slim premium model. By carrying over that visual language, Samsung seems to be unifying the aesthetic across its flagship lineup. It is a small change, but visually it makes the devices look more cohesive as a family.
Cobalt Violet Expected as the Hero Colour
Colour options often play a bigger role in flagship launches than we initially assume. According to tipster Evan Blass, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ will be available in White, Sky Blue, Black, and a new shade called Cobalt Violet.
Industry reports suggest that Cobalt Violet will serve as the hero colour for 2026. In practical terms, that means this purple tone will likely dominate promotional banners, product renders, and launch event visuals across India and global markets. Samsung has a pattern of highlighting one standout colour every year, and this seems to be it.
The choice of violet is interesting. It feels bold but not overly flashy. Depending on the finish, it could appeal to both younger buyers and professionals who want something distinctive without going too far.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Retains Its Squared Identity
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to remain visually distinct from its siblings. Leaks indicate that it will preserve the squared-off corners that have defined the Ultra line since Samsung integrated the Galaxy Note DNA into the S series.
This squared form factor is not just aesthetic. It is functionally tied to housing the S Pen and accommodating a larger internal battery. The structure supports the productivity-oriented positioning of the Ultra model, and at this point, it has become part of its identity.
Although the Ultra will share the same colour names as the standard models, White, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, and Black, the finishes may appear more muted. Leaked images show slightly toned-down shades, possibly to maintain a more professional and premium look. The matte rear panel and colour-matched camera rings contribute to a cohesive and refined appearance.
In a way, the Ultra seems designed to feel serious. Less playful, more business-focused.
Exclusive Colours and Expected Specifications
Samsung traditionally offers exclusive colour variants through its official website, and that trend is expected to continue with the Galaxy S26 series. Reports indicate that Silver Shadow and Pink Gold will be available exclusively via Samsung.com.
For buyers who prefer something less common, these online-exclusive shades could be worth considering.
On the performance side, chipset allocation is once again expected to vary by region. Historically, the Indian market has received Exynos-powered models, while regions like the United States have used Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
For the Galaxy S26 series, expectations point to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 powering the Ultra globally, promising improvements in AI processing capabilities and energy efficiency. The standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models in India may feature the Exynos 2600 chipset, although Samsung has not officially confirmed this.
If these specifications hold true, the performance gap between regions may become a talking point again, especially among enthusiasts who closely track benchmark differences.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Event Details
The Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event will be held in San Francisco, California. For Indian viewers, the live stream is scheduled to begin at 11:30 PM IST on February 25.
Samsung will broadcast the event through its official newsroom, website, and YouTube channel. As always, the company is expected to focus heavily on AI features, camera upgrades, and ecosystem integration during the presentation. Whether those improvements feel genuinely transformative is something we will only know once the devices are in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch time in India?
A1: The Galaxy Unpacked event will be live-streamed in India on February 25, 2026, at 11:30 PM IST.
Q2: What are the colour options for the Galaxy S26?
A2: The standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ are expected to launch in White, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, and Black. Exclusive colours like Pink Gold and Silver Shadow may be available through Samsung’s official website.
Q3: Will the Galaxy S26 have a curved screen?
A3: No, leaks suggest that the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ will feature flat displays. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will also use a flat screen but retain a squared-off body frame.
Q4: What is the expected price of the Galaxy S26 in India?
A4: Official pricing has not yet been announced. However, the Galaxy S26 is expected to start at around ₹85,000 in India, consistent with previous flagship pricing trends in the country.
